A grandmother was left astounded when a Christmas card she sent to her sister finally arrived – 19 years late.

Gail Hammersley has no recollection of sending the festive card to her sibling, Mary, in Market Drayton back in 1999.

But after taking a close look at the handwriting on the envelope, she admits it must have been her all along.

The only clue to the date of her sending the card was the limited edition ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ stamp which cost just 19p.

Gail, Madeley Street, Crewe, told the Crewe Chronicle: “It was actually my other sister Wendy who called me to ask if I was OK. Mary, who lives in Market Drayton hadn’t wanted to call herself, but asked Wendy to check on me. I think she must have thought I’d gone bit a bit mad.

“When she told me I’d send her a Christmas card six months early I was totally dumbfounded. But it left me thinking ‘have I?’ I even started doubting myself.

The stamp was a 1999 edition that cost 19p

“It was only when she brought it round to me that I looked closer to see the stamp was dated 1999 – I couldn’t believe it.

“It’s so funny to think where it has been for almost 19 years? Has it been stuck behind a sorting machine or in an old office somewhere?